Job Description

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN

JOB CODE 73100

Effective Date:	Rev. 11/06A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to perform specialized skilled journey-level mechanical and technical work in the maintenance and repair of a variety of City vehicles to include Police and Fire vehicles, light to heavy duty trucks, cars, and other related vehicles and equipment. Incumbents exercise considerable independence in diagnosing drivability, repairing deficiencies, and verifying proper performance. This classification may inspect completed work and provide mechanical and technical assistance and training to other automotive technicians and Equipment Service Workers I and II. Although repair jobs performed are generally inspected upon completion, incumbents must be able to carry out all phases of the work from start to completion without assistance and are expected to exercise independent judgment in determining methods of repair after receiving written or oral instruction concerning the operating condition of a piece of equipment. Some positions may require incumbents to complete work started by a prior shift and pass on work to the following shift. Work is performed under the general supervision of an Equipment Shop Foreman and is subject to a quality control inspection.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs computerized drivability diagnostics, repairs, tests, and adjusts all types of diesel, gasoline and alternative fuel engine and emissions systems to manufacturer specifications;
• Diagnoses, adjusts, and repairs electric systems;
• Performs all types of equipment and vehicle maintenance including but not limited to oil changes, replacing filters, lubrication, wheel bearing service, tire service, transmission service and differential service;
• Diagnoses, locates, and repairs defects in electrical, electronic, and computerized vehicle systems including but not limited to anti-lock brakes, traction control, supplemental impact restraint (air bags), lighting systems, starting and charging systems, emission control systems and transmission systems;
• Diagnoses, adjusts, and repairs braking systems, including but not limited to replacing friction materials, resurfacing rotors and drums, replacing sensors, actuators, and hydraulic parts;
• Diagnoses, repairs, and replaces components on miscellaneous systems, such as doors, windows, locks, handles, interior and exterior trim;
• Diagnoses, repairs, adjusts, and replaces computerized climate control air conditioning and heating system components;
• Diagnoses, adjusts, and repairs drive trains, including but not limited to clutches, manual/automatic transmissions/transaxles, transfer cases, drive shafts and differentials;
• Diagnoses, adjusts, and repairs all types of suspensions including but not limited to replacing shocks/struts, replacing bushings, replacing ball joints/king pins and springs;
• Diagnoses, repairs, and replaces 12 and 110/240 volt computerized electronic components on all types of vehicles and related equipment systems and computerized emergency vehicle and related equipment lighting systems;
• Diagnoses, adjust and repair all types of conventional and computer controlled mobile air conditioning systems;
• Diagnoses equipment for proper operation by using test equipment, operating and/or road testing;
• Fabricates and repairs vehicle and related equipment body components, trim hardware, and accessories;
• Inspects work and provides mechanical and technical assistance and training to other Auto Technicians and Equipment Service Workers I and II;
• Some positions perform emissions testing and emissions related repairs on city vehicles;
• Performs service calls making repairs or towing as needed;
• Performs all maintenance, repairs, and disposal of generated wastes according to applicable city, state and federal environmental laws;
• Prepares and keeps records related to automotive repair work, work order requests and status, labor expenditures, estimates, and proposed or completed projects;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Methods, materials, tools, and standard practices of the automotive technician’s trade.
• Principles of operation of internal combustion engines.
• Principles of repair and overhaul of all types of internal combustion engines.
• Principles of electricity, electronics, computer systems, sensor operation and actuator operation.
• Computer programming terminology, flow charts, and schematics.
• Operation and repair of various control applications including, but not limited to, engine control, emissions control, dashboard instrumentation, climate control, door/window locking, and alarm systems.
• Gasoline, alternative fuel systems and diesel fuel systems.
• Mobile air conditioning systems.
• Anti-lock brake and traction control systems.
• Supplemental impact restraint systems.
• Principles of MIG, TIG, and arc welding.
• Hazards and safety precautions of the trade.

Skill in:

• The care and use of hand power tools, and various fabrication/welding equipment used in all phases of automotive repair and maintenance.
• Diagnosing all types of defects in all types of automotive, truck, and related equipment.
• Replacing, rebuilding and/or repairing defective parts on all types of automotive, truck, and related equipment.

Ability to:

• Understand and carry out orally and written instructions in the English language.
• Use various high-tech diagnostic tools and diagnose defects in automotive equipment.
• Use a data management computer system to look up vehicle repair history and enter work order information.
• Complete forms and paperwork in an eligible manner.
• Read, understand, and apply information from service manuals (including electronic service manuals), diagnostic aids, flow charts, charts, and graphs.
• Use automotive tools and servicing equipment such as an air conditioning recycler, hydraulic jack, brake lathe, emission analyzer, various welding machines, and other related equipment.
• Manipulate tools in areas of limited space, such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches or other similar tools.
• Communicate any unsafe conditions, accidents, or injuries in a timely manner to the supervisor in order to facilitate prompt correction or reporting.
• Communicate orally in the English language and work cooperatively with customers, clients, and the public in face-to-face, one-to-one settings.
• Lift arms above shoulder level to install and remove auto parts.
• Bend or stoop, and remain standing repeatedly over time to repair equipment.
• Make skillful, controlled manipulations of small objects to repair equipment.
• Move objects weighing more than 50 pounds distances 20 feet or less.
• Observe or monitor objects to determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others and perform all maintenance and repairs in a safe manner following all applicable guidelines, procedures, and OSHA regulations.

Additional Requirements:

• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work assignment, location or shift.
• Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. In addition, individuals may be required to pass an Arizona Department of Transportation physical exam and possess the appropriate commercial driver's license (CDL). Pre-employment drug testing is required for CDL positions. Employees in CDL positions will be subject to unannounced alcohol and drug testing as a condition of continued employment. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• All incumbents are required to provide and maintain at the work site, a complete set of their own hand tools, pneumatic tools, and toolbox.
• All positions require a motor vehicle air conditioning Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), section 609, certification issued by an EPA certified testing agency at time of hire.
• Some positions require a State of Arizona Vehicular Emissions Inspector Certification and/or alternative fuel/diesel fuel certification(s) at the time of hire.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Four years of experience in the maintenance, repair, and computerized diagnostics of automotive equipment; or four years of experience as an Equipment Service Worker II; or an associate’s degree in automotive technology from an accredited college plus two years of experience in the maintenance, repair, and computerized diagnostics of automotive equipment. Graduation from an accredited automotive trade school may be substituted for six months of experience. Experience working with alternative fuel and diesel fuel automotive equipment is highly desired. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.